British Columbia Water Sustainability Act a Win for Wetlands

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 11, 2014) - Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is very pleased by today's announcement that the Water Sustainability Act is moving into the final stages of approval. After several years of consultation with the public and stakeholders, this announcement provides all British Columbians will assurance that this government will update the century-old legislation to reflect our current social, ecological and economic conditions. These changes will actualize many of the important commitments made in Living Water Smart - British Columbia's Water Plan (2008) and will help to safeguard BC's water supply for the future.

DUC is particularly encouraged by changes that affect the management of B.C.'s fresh water supply. These changes include provisions that protect groundwater and the health of streams and other aquatic environments. We are confident that these changes will be positive for wetlands in the province. While the new Act
does not address wetlands explicitly, the key improvement areas will create direct, positive impacts to the health and retention of these critical resources.

"The Act is very positive for DUC and wetlands in British Columbia," says Les Bogdan, director of regional operations for B.C. "The previous Act left many critical components of BC's water quality and quantity unaddressed, like the importance of groundwater and sustainable water flow in watersheds. The new Act will ensure that water quality and quantity will receive greater protection and wetlands and waterfowl will surely benefit."

DUC would like to commend the BC government and Ministry staff for their commitment to the Water Act Modernization process over the past years. Having participated in the public consultation process, we are pleased to see the government employing the feedback of all participants to deliver an Act that will ensure clean and abundant water supplies for years to come. DUC looks forward to continuing to work with the BC Government and other partners on the implementation of these changes.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.